Obtain Aurora Divorce Case Documents
Aurora spans three counties. This affects where divorce records are stored. Arapahoe County contains most of the city. Adams County covers the northern portion. Douglas County includes a small section. Your address determines which court handles your case. Each county has its own District Court. All follow Colorado state laws. Records are not centralized in one location.
Aurora Divorce Courts by County Location
Most Aurora residents use the Arapahoe County District Court. It is located at 7325 South Potomac Street in Centennial. This is the 18th Judicial District. It serves Arapahoe, Douglas, Elbert, and Lincoln counties. Most Aurora addresses fall under this court.
North Aurora residents may file in Adams County. That courthouse is at 1100 Judicial Center Drive in Brighton. This is the 17th Judicial District. It covers Adams and Broomfield counties. Check your address to confirm jurisdiction.
A small area of Aurora extends into Douglas County. Those residents also use the 18th Judicial District. The same Centennial courthouse serves them. Always verify your filing location. Use your home address to determine the correct court. Filing in the wrong court causes delays.
How to Request Aurora Divorce Records
The process varies by county. But general steps apply everywhere. Start by identifying the correct court. Then contact that clerk's office. Request forms are available in person or online. Complete all required information clearly.
For Arapahoe County, call 303-645-6600. The clerk's office assists with record requests. Provide names and approximate dates. Case numbers expedite searches. Without them, staff conduct name searches. These cost $5 per search under CJD 06-01.
For Adams County, the number is 720-523-6020. Similar procedures apply there. Both counties charge $20 for certified copies. Regular copies remain $0.25 per page. Payment methods may vary. Call ahead to confirm accepted forms.
Online Docket Access for Aurora Cases
Colorado offers statewide docket searches. This covers all three counties serving Aurora. You can search by name or case number. The system shows case activity. It lists filed documents and hearing dates. Actual document viewing is not available.
Visit the Colorado Judicial Branch website. Navigate to the docket search page. Select the appropriate judicial district. For Arapahoe and Douglas, choose the 18th. For Adams, select the 17th. Results display instantly for most cases.
Records date back several decades. Older cases may have limited data. The system updates nightly. Recent filings appear within 24 hours. This helps track active cases. It also aids in locating closed matters.
Residency Requirements for Aurora Divorce Filings
C.R.S. § 14-10-106 sets the residency rule. One spouse must live in Colorado for 91 days. This applies to all Aurora residents. The rule is the same across all counties. Your specific county is determined by address.
You must file in your county of residence. This is where you have lived for 91 days. Military members have special rules. Time stationed in Colorado counts. The court recognizes military addresses. Consult an attorney for complex situations.
The 91-day waiting period also applies. After filing, 91 days must pass. Only then can the court issue a decree. This cooling-off period is mandatory. It allows time for reconciliation. Property issues can be resolved during this time.
Fees and Costs in Aurora Area Courts
Filing fees are uniform statewide. The base rate is $260. This increased under recent legislation. C.R.S. § 13-32-101 governs these fees. All three counties serving Aurora charge the same. There are no local variations.
Copy fees follow Chief Justice Directive 06-01. Standard pages cost $0.25 each. Certified copies are $20 per document. Name searches cost $5. These rates apply in Arapahoe, Adams, and Douglas counties.
Fee waivers help those in need. File a motion to proceed without payment. The judge reviews your financial situation. Bring proof of income. Bring proof of public assistance. Decisions are made case by case.
Challenges of Multi-County Divorce Searches
Aurora's spread across counties complicates research. You may need to check multiple courts. This happens when the exact address is unknown. It also occurs with common names. Start with the most likely county. Expand if needed.
Online searches help narrow results. The statewide docket system is useful. Search all three judicial districts. Use full names to reduce matches. Add date ranges when possible. This saves time and money.
Professional researchers can assist. They know the court systems. They can search multiple locations efficiently. This costs more but saves effort. Consider this for complex genealogy projects. Legal professionals also offer help.
Note: Aurora residents should verify their county before filing or requesting records to avoid processing delays.
Resources for Aurora Divorce Record Searches
Several tools aid your search. The Colorado Judicial Branch website is primary. It offers forms and instructions. It links to the docket search system. It provides court contact information.
CDPHE offers verification services. They confirm divorces occurred. This costs $17 per request. Order online through VitalChek. Or mail a request form. The office is in nearby Denver.
Legal aid organizations help low-income residents. They explain the record request process. They assist with fee waivers. Aurora has several such services. Contact them for free guidance. They serve the entire metro area.